UNDP Papua New Guinea

This August and September, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of a peace agreement between four clans in Tigibi community in Hela Province, rallied against sorcery accusation related violence in Southern Highlands, and began our efforts to strengthen the blue economy of Milne Bay. 📖 READ more about our recent achievements from our latest Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gnHi3RQ6

Years ago, Kevin Lungu, a former leader of a notorious drug gang in Enga Province, participated in an attack on nine women falsely accused of sorcery. Like most perpetrators of sorcery accusation related violence in Papua New Guinea, Kevin struggled with drug addiction and came from a violent and traumatizing background. Today, he profoundly regrets his actions and works as a passionate advocate against sorcery accusations, tribal fighting and drug abuse among youth in the province. 🎥 WATCH the video below to see how advocacy and support provided by the Catholic Diocese of Wabag and UNDP enabled Kevin to transform from a violator to a defender of human rights. #16Days #HumanRightsDay

"The safe house is a beacon of hope for our community. It provides survivors of #GBV with a secure space where they can begin to heal, free from fear or judgment,” says Joyce Kaimdi, manager of the UNDP-supported Kumbau Safe House in Baiyer District, Western Highlands Province. The safe house was recently established with funding the UNDP, the Department for Community Development and Religion and National GBV Secretariat provided to the Kyokanda Community Development Association, a civil society organization combating gender-based violence. “Through counselling, we help the survivors find their voice, process their trauma, and start rebuilding their confidence. Having a safe and supportive environment like this makes all the difference. It allows survivors to open up, share their stories, and access the vital support they need to move forward," Joyce concludes. #16Days #NoExcuse

Today, we had the pleasure of commemorating International #AntiCorruptionDay by supporting Transparency International PNG in organizing a roundtable on ‘Engaging Young People in the Political Process.’ Young people from youth-led organizations across the country took part in the discussions to highlight the role that youth can play in political processes and addressing issues related to transparency and integrity. “In Papua New Guinea, UNDP remains committed to supporting youth as agents of change. Through initiatives such as the European Union funded Transparency and Accountability in Papua New Guinea Project, we are fostering youth participation in governance and promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability,” stated Aadil Mansoor, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative during the opening of the roundtable. #UnitedAgainstCorruption European Union in Papua New Guinea

"The safe house saved my life. It gave me a safe place to stay when I had nowhere else to turn. I received counselling and medical care that helped me begin to heal,” says Mathilda*, a survivor of gender-based violence from Western Highlands. After repeated abuse at home, she was able to find shelter and support from a UNDP-funded safe house operated by Kyokonda Community Development Association. “They provided me with food, clothing, and shelter when I needed it the most. Knowing I was in a secure and supportive environment allowed me to focus on recovering and rebuilding my life. I’m deeply grateful for the care and kindness I found here." #16Days #NoExcuse *name changed

"For young people, corruption creates significant barriers to accessing opportunities and achieving their full potential," says our UNDP Resident Representative, Nicholas Booth, in his op-ed for International #AntiCorruptionDay 2024. 📖 READ the entire op-ed on Post-Courier Online here: https://lnkd.in/gdKyZFCC

"The safe house is an invaluable resource for our community. It provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors of violence, giving them a chance to rebuild their lives,” says Chief Sergeant Rita Upaiga, a rural police commander from Baiyer District of Western Highlands Province. As an officer for the Family and Sexual Violence Unit, she works on cases of gender-based violence that have been referred to her by UNDP-supported safe houses in the district. “It makes a huge difference in our work. Knowing there's a trusted place where we can refer vulnerable individuals allows us to focus on investigations and enforcement, while ensuring they receive the care and protection they need," says Sergeant Rita. #16Days #NoExcuse

“As health workers, safe houses complement our work by offering a refuge where survivors can continue their recovery after receiving medical attention,” says Ms. Elizabeth Peter, a nurse from the Baiyer District Health Center in Western Highlands Province. As part of her duties, Elizabeth deals with cases of gender-based violence that have been referred to her by the Kyokonda Community Development Association, one of UNDP’s civil society partners working on gender-based violence in the province. “It’s reassuring to know we have a reliable partner that helps us provide holistic care and long-term support to those in need,” Elizabeth says. #16Days #NoExcuse

“Having a safe house in our community is so important. It gives us survivors hope and a way forward,” says Bella*, a survivor of GBV from Western Highlands Province. In partnership with the Department of Community Development and National GBV Secretariat, UNDP is funding the work of safe houses operated by civil society organizations across Papua New Guinea. In her hour of need, Bella received support from a safe house recently established by one of UNDP’s partners, Kyokonda Community Development Association. "I’ve seen how the safe house has not only helped individuals like me, but also contributed to reducing GBV cases in our community by showing that help is available, and that violence has no place here," Bella says. #16Days #NoExcuse *name changed to protect the survivor's anonymity

Agnes Bob works as a #GBV counsellor for Kaleta Safe House in Baiyer District of Western Highlands Province. With the financial and technical support of UNDP and the Department for Community Development and Religion, the Kyokanda Community Development Association has established multiple safe houses for survivors of #GenderBasedViolence in district. "The establishment of multiple safehouses in our area has been a game-changer in addressing GBV. These safe spaces not only provide immediate protection and support for survivors but also send a strong message that violence will not be tolerated. As communities become more aware of their existence, survivors feel more empowered to seek help. Their presence is making a real difference in creating safer and more respectful communities," says Agnes. #16Days #NoExcuse